Elastic gearing.



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PATENTED FEB. 12, 1907.

L. P. DIETBR. ELASTIC GEARING.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 28,1903.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

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F. DIETER.

ELASTIC GEARING.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 28,1903.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 28,1903.

RBI-[$5 L. F. DIETER. ELASTIC GEARING.

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5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

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iii-fin lie-844,261. PATENTED FEB. 12, 1907. L. F. DIETER.

ELASTIC GBARING.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 28,1903.

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No. 844,261.. PATENTED FEB.12, 1907.

L. F. DIETER. ELASTIC GEARING.

APPLIGATION FILED SEPT. 28,1903.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

F119. 32. Fig. 33.

Wflizegqe. venlim Q MACHINE ELEMENTS. sHAFniie l FUCLXIBLE SHAFT COUPL|NG$ iid and substantia ly supported by the shaft or f. UNITED STATES OFFICE.

LOUIS F. DIETER, OF BUFFALO, NEW YORK.

ELASTIC GEARING.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 12, 1907.

Application filed september 28, 1903; Serial No. 174,951.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that 1, Louis F. DIETER, a

elastic or yielding gears adapted for use in power transmission for all pur oses where elastic gear is desired and whic especially is of great benefit in transmitting the power to the rolls of mills for rolling rails, bars, I v 1 plates, &"c.

"ffllhe objectsjofmy imppovements are to i "de an-.-'elastic gear W ch, first, will not p'fi-much" more space than a common e'c d is-strong but light in weight; very ensitive in action and wherein etween relatively movable {to a minimum and wherein I wiorn can be easily renewed; ourt, ha totalload on the springs all? divi d,".- softhat.each spring practily"carrie' as? much load as the other; fifth hasfa rimjand "rim-su ports combined in y?" -that they l ractically form ironej iece; sixth, as a rim wholly the-:hubof'the center portion or anywhere around-the axis of the-shaft; seventh, from which the springs or the connections between the center portion and rim can be taken out onlirchanged without disturbing the rim or the center portion; eighth, that can be profitably manufactured in all sizes for light as well as heavy work; ninth, has a rim that can be formed around its periphery or outer circumferencein any sha e to suit any kind of toothedear drive, be t-drive, or any other kind of rivethat may be required; tenth, has the pockets for the springs formed in such a way that metallic as well as nonmetallic springs may be used; eleventh, has a rim that can be arran ed for lateral oscillating play to enable ouble helical teeth that are not in erfect alinement to run satisfactorily; twe fth, can be arranged after it isall completed to rotate continuously in either direction or alternately in opposite d1- rections, as the requirements may be in a reversible transmission; thirteenth, can be conv shock or strain liable to becaused by shortcircuiting in electric generators, &c., and that otherwise would come entirely on the rim and arms of the fly-wheel or band-wheel,"

as the case may be, and cause bursting of the same.

In the accompanying drawings, consisting I of five sheets, Figure'l is a sect onal. end or face view of a gear-wheel with doublehelical teeth embodying .my. invention and mount ed on a suitable shaft, thellow "halt h wheel being showninelevatid i sectional half being taken Fig. 2 is asectional side .ele at in connection-w ith ajdr' the springs with th k elevation and semen ec tion of the rimesupport the rim being shown partlthr'ciugh line Y Y, Fig. 1 ide. and face views, .respectivei f taining-collarsofth .i" 5 isascction of the wheel. e 1 1 Fig-bis a side elevation ofo e-half of ne f viewed from its istraight' diametrical face.

h i .i supports. F1g.z,7-1s anelevat-ionofthe same Fig. 8 is a centrallisectionof the rimlparallel v with its axis, one setgof spring-pockets b i g shown in section on the line Z Z, Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a fragmentary side elevation of the rim. Fig. 10 is an enlargedside. elevation of-one of the springs and its endpieces. Fig. 11 is a longitudinal section of partbf. one of said springs and an end piecel'f Fig. 12 is an end elevation thereoli. Fig. 13 is a face view of the center portion of the Wheel, one of the pocket-lugs being shown in section in theline 2 2, Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a side eleva tion of said center portion. Fig. 15 is a fragmentary face view of the rim, showing a modification of the teeth or the transmitting means. Figs. 16, 17, and 18 are top'plan views of rolling-mills, showing different applications of my improved gear. Fig. 19 is a perspective vew of a pair of rolls and an ingot, illustrating the resistance to be overcome by the engine and gears. Fig. 20 is a diagram showing my improved elastic gear in connection with a belt or rope gear-drive. Fig. 21 is a similar view showing the same in connection with a friction-gear drive. Figs. 22 to 26, inclusive, are diametrical sections of one-half of the improved gear, showing modified constructionsof the rim adapted to (liiferent kinds of power transmissions. Figs. 27, 28, and 29 are perspective views of mcdified constructions of the springs or cushions.

Fig. 30 is a sectionaliperspective view-of oneof said springs or cushions, showing the same provided with end pieces. metrical section of one-half of the gear, showing-another modification. Figs. 32 to 34, inelusive, are sections of one-half of my improved elastic gear, showing other modifications. Figs. 35 to 37, inclusive, are sections of" the 'springendpiece, showing modifications. Similar letters of-reference indicate corresponding parts throughout the-several-views.

In the drawings, W represents a' complete elastic wheel or gearembodying my" invention. Referring to Figs. 1 to 15, a is the rim of the gear, which'i's formedaround its outer circumference with: double helical teeth, as shown; but theset'eethmaybe omitted'and n place thereof the rim may be formed aroundit s outer circumference-to suit any other di'iveefor-instance, as shown in Figs.

sides, as. thecasemayrequire. In: all the -.figures oi the drawings; excepting Figs. 23, 24,1 31"to-34, inclusive,- tworows'of springs m shown. Ih'Figs.-'23 and"32 three-rows,

iIi'Figs. 24-and'. 34: six rows, and in Fig. 31 .onerow of. springs are shown. In Fig. 33

'fourrows of. ringsareshown; Each-of the ockets'may" 'ave adi'vision piece, as shown y c, c, c", or 0 1' These division-pieces are of convenience in the manufacture of my elastic gear, for instance, it should bedesired to machine these pockets. In such cases holes'e are formed in the division-pieces to fit a suitable boring-bar. A cutter is then fastened into said bar, the outerend of which is 'uided in said holes while the pockets are machined. Projections f f f f may be placed in said division-piecesand on the-end pieces of the-springs central-withrsaid pock-- ets and are forthe'purpose of filling-up the space which is not required for the springs and also for convenience in machiningthose parts of the spring end'pieces which fit into the pockets.

springs these projections, including said division-pieces, may beentire'lyl'eft off. The

parts at the ends of the end pieces for the Fig. 31 is a'dia-- In cases 'whereallthe'space of the total length of the pockets is required for springs may also be cut off to the dotted lines o. v and'v c, Fig. 11, as shown in Figsi 23 and 24,- which. construction will give only enough space to permit the necessary play of the springs.

The end pieces or trunnions for the springs, as shown in Figs. 10, 11, 12, 35, 36, and 37, have cylindrical projections g g, which fit loosely' into the inner ends of the helical springs shown and are for the purpose of keeping said springs central with said end pieces. These projections may also form stops for limiting the compression of the springs. If'it'is desiredthatkthe w-heehshall have a limited'range-of e h st icity and .be 8o i made-0f h P s? Ie'gth.-tq 2in.etg9 when the desired compression oflthesprings is reached. The power will thereupon be transmitted partly through the compressed springs and artly'through-the abutting-proj ections, an no further yield ofthewheel will.

take place.

The holes h and'h" may be the springs-partly into their pockets. Before thesprings are put into their pockets they will-be longer than the normal distance-between'their pockets.

The-rim a has two annular projections a a one-on-each side, two annular supportingsurfaces 0. a each extending from the outer edge to nearly the endsof the spring-pockets, and'holes if'or lo'olts i These b0lth0les-ar e placed near the inner circumference of'the rim-between the pockets b" 6 which'will permit the use-of sufficiently large bolts to se curely f'astenthe rim a to annular sup ortsk by means of the bolts i without aving these bolts interfere with the free rotary'or oscillating movement of the rim over the springs d dandthe center portion 'mof the gear. This arrangement of the bolts pro vided a broad supporting-surface on therim against thesupports kxnear said'bolts forthe roper'fastening of'the ri'm to said supports.

he rim a is held against lateral displace ment and central tothe axis of theshaft by the two-annular supports '10. Each of'these supports consists of similar parts or halves,

as shown in Figs. 1, 2', 6, and 7-, bolted toether at the'hub by means of'bolts k passmg through holes k, and near theouter-circumference by bolts 7c, passing through holes is in he es 7c. Each of these sup ports when so olted together practically forms one piece. The hubs k are boredj cen- .trally'to-receive linings 7c, which formthe bearings f'or'the journals T and T, formed on the shaft T, as seen-in Fig. 1. The linings k are firmly held by the hubs is, thus forming substantial-bearings. These hubs lc and linings k can easily be made any length suitable for any desired amount of bearingsurface. In casethese linings become worn they can easily be replaced with new ones.

a e. g

Around the outer circumference of the sup ports k is formed an annular supporting-surface It", fitted into the annular part a? of the rim, and also an annular groove 7e fitted 5 over the annular projection a of the rim, both central and true to the axis of the shaft T. Annular flanges 70 on the supports k hold the springs against lateral movement. These supports, each consisting of halves, as

before mentioned, are provided near their outer circumference with bosses k, which have holes '8 in line with the bolt-holes i of the rim. Said holes '5 are countersunk at the outer side to receive the nuts of said bolts, as "r shown at t in 5. The annular flanges a a one on'each slde of the rim a, and the annular grooves k are for the purpose to stiffen the rim a and to stre then this joint, so that it will resist' all possible forces from any kind of drive. The rim and rim-supports, when so bolted to ether are combined in such a way and for the purpose that they will practically form and act asone piece, and thus forni a substantial wheel-frame or frame on "2 5 which,- anywhere on its outside, from the hub of onesupport to the hub of the other support,i-can .be formed or mounted any kind of transmitting gear or wheel-for instance, such shown b the Figs.'25, 26, 32, and 33. It

-" -3o--wi11 be un erstood that'in case wherein the space-re 'uired between the central bearings k 7c belittle in comparison to the reuired width of the rim 0. and wherein the sides of such rima will extend over the one or 5 over both the supports 7c is such annular flange or flanges; as a a, will be provided at the inner surface or inner circu mferenceof such rim, and in case that one of the su ports is cast in one piece with the rim 0 y 40 one of the supports will be detachably secured to the rim, and in case where a plain joint will be sufliciently strong the annular grooves 7c may be omitted.

The rim-supports k k are laterally spaced- 4 5 that is, they are arranged on or a suitable dis tance in the opposite sides of the rima, as the case mayrequire for the purpose to bring the journals for the bearings 7c of said sup orts k k in proper position to make the e astic 5o gear very sensitive in action and to sub stantially support said frame with any kindof transmitting gear or wheel that may be formed or mounted thereon anywhere on its outside and to resist all forces in any direction 5 5 that ma be applied to such transmitting gear or whee and also for the purpose to provide a clear and sufficient space between the supports of said frame for the proper arrangement of any of springs or elastic mem- 6o bers. For the sake of simplicity said supports k k are named rim-supports, but they also serve to substantially support-and resist all loads and forces which may come on said frame from any kind of transmitting gear or wheel.

The center ortion m isforme'd around its outer circu erence with the pockets 1) b and the division-pieces c c for the purpose above specified. The projections f and the holes 6 are for the same purpose as the projections f and holes 0 in the rim. The parts 0 c e are used or are entirely left off,.as and for the purpose above explained. The center portion m, as will be seen in Figs. 1. 5, and 14, has two rows of arms m m*, connecting the outer annular portion m with the hub m. In some gears of the construction described it may be required that, for instance, the pockets 1) b to be formed direct on the outer circumference of the hub m and in such case the center portion will consist only of the pockets b 6 and the hub m, and in this construction such center portion may conveniently be formed in one piece with a solid or hollow shaft which transmits I the power or motion from or to said center portion. The center portior; m is securely fastened to the shaft on which the elastic gear is placed 'by means of the keys n or other suitable means. of the rim and all the pockets 1) b of the center portion have the same shape and the same size for the purpose above explained and'also for the purpose explained in the following. In the drawings, with the exception of Figs. 27, 28, 29, and 30, helical s rings are shown; but in manufacturing my e astic gear in large quantities a gear may be'required to give, for instance, a greater elasticity, and a complete gear on hand may in every detail fulfil all the requirements of an order, except the springs, which would, for instance, require more yield. In such a case it ma be that springs, each consisting of a bloc of rubber or other suitable material of greater elasticity, having a solid or a hollow crosssection, would fulfil the required purpose. Such springs will then take the place of the helical springs, and the order for such gear may be filled without'idelay, as in the manu facture of these gears all kinds of springs may be kept on hand. If a gear of less elasticity is desired, blocks of wood or other material having but very little elasticity may be used instead of such helical or rubber springs. Suitable spring-blocksof this kind are illustrated in Figs. 27, 28, 29, and 30.

Two collars 0 0 are placed against the outer side of the hubs k k of the rim-supports k and are fastened to the shaft whereon 'my elastic gear is placed for the purpose of preventing any possible lateral movement of the rim a and supports k and also to dprovide a large bearing-surface between sai collars and said hubs. In the drawing, Fig. 1, these collars are each made of halves bolted together by the bolts 0" (see Figs. 1, 3, and 4) and are placed on the parts T T of the shaft T and between the hubs k and the shoulders T T of the shaft T. Fig. 2 shows my elas- All the pockets b b 0 I geared A WFT.

placed on th counter haft "1 reversing twin-cylinder engine, in which the power is transmitted from the toothed pinion Q on the crank-shaft of such engine to my elastic gear and from there to the counter-shaft 'T, and from which shaft .0 gear connection is made at either end T or T to the rolls, as shown in Figs. 17 and 18. In Fig. 1, T- and 'l are the journals of said shaft, and the location of the frame parts having dicated by dotted'lines T T. In heavy as well as light transmission of power it is always desirable to make the distance between the journals T 'I as short as possible, and for such reason shoulders T .and T are provided on the shaft, which permits the collars 0 0 to be made very narrow and will also prevent lateral displacement of said collars o 0 and by which the. required tension in the bolts 0 is brought to a minimum. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 said dollars 0 need not be any wider than is necessary to remove the rim-supports 7c. To remove'one of said rim-supports, it is only necessary to remove one of the collars 0 from the shaft, then remove the bolts 7c Id, and then remove the I. 1 bolts '5 of half of one rim-supporter remove all the bolts i. of the whole rim-support, as the requirements may be, then slide the rimsupport out of the rim,1as shown in Fig. 1, by the dotted lines of one-half of one rim-support. Said support may then be wholly removed. In case that both supports should be removed both collars o are to be removed.

' Suppose the load acting on the teeth a of the rim rotates the wheel in the direction of .the arrowl, Fig. 2, then thesprings (1 will be the driving-springs, and if the load be reversed it will cause the rotation of the wheel in the opposite direction to\the arrow 1, and the springs d will be the driving-sprin s. If greater yield or more elasticity than t at indicated on the drawing .2 should be required, the construction will be such that longer springs, but less. in number, can be placed in each row in the space between the center portion m and the rim (1 and more rows of springs will be used, making the total number of springs the same or greater, if desired, or morerows of lighter springs will be used, or in-case it should be required that the rim shall have a yield or elasticity around the center portion equal to about one-half turn or one'turn or even more than one turn .then the construction of the parts inside the frame will be such that the'elastic member or mem bers arranged between said rim-supports and between the rim and center portion will consist of different kind of spring or springs. It will beunderstoodthat the'number of springs required will of course depend on the power to be transmitted, and in some cases only one single spring may be used. Supposing that the springs d are the driving-springs and the bearings for journals T T are intimes a minute or more,

a" are under the maximum load, then said springs will also be under their maximum compression. this condition it is desirable that the springs d, with their end pieces, should not become loose in'their pockets 1) b and for this purpose the springs should be, under an initial compression before any load is applied thereto.- Said initial compression should be so great that when the springs cl are under maximum compression the springs d will not be relieved of their total compression, but will retain just so much compression as will be necessary to resist the force of action produced by the acceleration or retardation of the springs with their end pieces due to their inertia and the forces due to change of'direction of motion. It will now be seen that the springs with their end pieces before theyare put into their pocketsshould each have a length equivalent to the maximum compression plus the distance the pockets b b are apart with no load on the s rings plus the compression required to resistt eaction from said acceleration, &c., as above explained. In a noiseless and smooth-running gear the best results are obtained when the springs have the length as above indicated, and when so constructed they will prevent rattling in rotating and also prevent a pounding noise whenever the transmission is reversed. In some transmissions of power it will be required to reverse these gears twenty and considering that such reversing will be done or attempted under full speed it can readily be seen'that such elastic gear or wheel must work satisfactorily in every detail, should be strong but light in weight and sensitive in action, and that the frictional resistance of the parts between the rim and shaft should be reduced to a minimum. The maximum wear in my elastic gear between the rim and the'bearings of its supports, which may be considered the only wear for the taking up of which provision should be made, is m the linings k, that support the rim, and results from the friction casued by the rotary oscillating movement of the rim over the center portion, which wear comes on the linings k", which may be made of softer material than the shaft, and if these linings are worn they can easily be replaced by new ones.

If my elastic wheel-rim a is provided with double helical teeth a, as shown in Fig. 1, it may be desired to permit the rim part to have a little lateral play to make double helical teeth which are not in perfect alinement to work satisfactorily. In case such play should be desired a space to permit for such play will be provided between the flanges 7c of the supports 1c and the annular side part m of the center portion m, and the arms of the su ports 1c -may be constructed to permit t e necessary lateral deflection of these arms for this purpose.

It will now be understood from the above description of my elastic wheel or' gear than.

by bolting togetherthe supports. It and the rim (1 in the manner above explained they practically form one piece, which is wholly. supportedby the shaftandhas no, other connections with the center portion m except, through the springs d d, and-'if the center portion and springs were removedthe rim could be turned freely around the shaft and be true and central withthe axisofthe shaft,

and if the center portion is in place, but the springs removed, the rim could be-freely os' cillated' the distance between the spring:

pockets of the rim and center portion with-- out encountering any other frictional'resistance than that between the linings-1c and'the journals '1 T on the shaft, and owing. to the large leverage of the distance between the shaft and the rim and also owing to the fact that. the extent of the rotary oscillating, movement of and at the rim is many times reduced at the journals T T thisfrictional resistance and wear is thereby reduced to a.

minimum.

the manufacture of my elastic gear I. prefer to; have the rim: so it canbe formed around its outer. circumference to suit. any kind of. transmission of'power. and also so as. to take the place of the hubs of'band-wheels, fly-wheels, &c.-,. or have therim itselfformed for belt or any other drive or into-anyshape whatever; tion of my Owing. to the peculiar construcrim and. rim.suppor.ts-v bolted to.- gether in the manner above explained, and thus. forming substantial bearingsv which re-- sist any force in any direction that may be applied tothe rim from any kind' of drive, my improved gear will be suitable for all different kinds of transmission, someof which fbr instance, as herein shown and described. My elastic gear, especially in small sizes,.may have the rim and the entire support of'one side cast in one piece and'the supporton the other side bolted: to the rim in the'manner above explained.

In Figs. 22 to 26,. inclusive, and, file the Figs. 31 to 34, inclusive,I have shown anumber of different applications ofmy elastic-gean.

In Fig. 22 the rim a of my elastic gear-is:

' formed around its outer circumference with grooves p, which grooves may be given theproper shape either for wedge friction-gear drive or rope-gear drive. In the drawings, 7) is the rope (shown in dotted' lines) for ropegear drive.

In Fig. 23 the rim a of my elastic gearis formed cylindrical and. smooth around its outer circumference and'in this formwill suit a belt-gear drive or a spur hiction-gear drive. This figure also shows the rim a and; the sup.- port 7c of one side cast in one piece, audit also shows three rows of springs without divisionpleces.

formed around its outer circumference with a ..-=smo otlr.cyl indrical surface, and this form is. suitable for awide-belt-geardi'ive. or for a wide: spur. friction-gear drive. In this draw mg all. the space. of the total length of the pockets is filled with springs. Six rows of springs without division pieces are. shown in. this. case. Thelines-v indicate the sides of? the spring; end piecescut' off to the'lines 'v vandoc". (Shown inFig. 112) Inthe Figs. 1 and12'2; to'2fi', inclusive, there isa separate endi piece for each spring; but. these piecescan; he. made. so that eachend' piece willbe suitable for as many springs as there are rows. Suchend pieces are-shown by the Figs. 35, 3 6', and"371 4 It. will. bev understood that in case whefe the divisionepiece t'is' usedsuch end pieces as *igs. 35, 36,. and 37' may be made so that each end piece. ,will. be suitable for as many springs asthere are rows on eachside of such division-pieceffor instance, as shown in the Figs. 33 and 3.4-. I

, In Fig. 25 my elastic gear is pl'aced, for in.- stance, in. the center ofa band-wheel t, and thus takes the place of the hub of" the said band-wheel. In this. case the; rim or is provided around its. outer. circumference. with lugs or flanges t, to which are. bolted the t of. the band-wheel t.. In case that suchband wheelior belt-pulley may only be a little larger than. the rim a-of my elastic gear, the.armssofsuch-band wheelmay bc-repl'acedZ by a-circulJar flange or lugscast to said band'- wheel' tfarounditsinner oircumferenoe,which flange or'liigswill' then be bolted against the lugs-or. flange. tf'offthe ri'm.. In this figure the results derived fromjthe-peeuhar construction of my elastic. gear can, readily be. seen, :andv it. cam also be seenthat. ifl'the center p0r-- tion-m and. the springs d dwere removed the *bandf-wheelj wouldstill' be held in asubstantialimanner in the bearingslc and would'in ithis. condition. resist all fbrces, from the. belt. jor; any of. drive. in. any direction. that fmay be applied to theband-wheeht or to any gother. kind ofwheeliwhichmary be applied. to. the rim (1.. Of course the turning moment :that. produces the rotary motion would. in. this condition ofmy elastic gear cause. the turning of" the Wheel around the shaft. in a erfectly true manner, but could not drive't e shaft, or. if: the gear would'have .to. transmit the power from the shaft to the band Wheel' then the turning moment in, the shaft. that produces the rotary driving. motion would not drive said bandswheel'in this condition of. my. elastic gear, butwouldcause the shaft to. rotate. in the bearings. I

In Fig. 26.my elasticgear. takesv the place of the hub. of. a. built-up. band or fly wheel.

Such wheels are usually made in sections with the arms bolte'dtotherim-sections and'to the hub, or-they are made-of sections having; one

In Fig. 24 the rim a of my elastic gear is I or more arms cast to each section. The inner sggare ends and with a hole through it,

1n a manner similar to that SliOWIL'lD Fi 26,-

plaiined. If in such a case the hub of, for intangular in shape, and" preferably has a greater or less number of holes through it for was;

in which tFP-is one arm and T the end 0 said arm fitted between the flanges 129. The holes. t are reamed together with the arms in their proper position, and bolts t are then driven into said holes, thus making a substantial fastening. In Fig. 26 the rim aof my elastic gear is formed around its outer circumference with the flanges 21 for the purpose above exstance, a band-wheel or fly-wheel is required to be to one side of such wheel and supposing that insuch case the center of the width of such wheel would have to be about in line with one of the supports 70, then the constrliction may be such that/the rim (1 extends over such support or such band or fly wheel be fastened to one of such sup orts 7c of my elastic gear instead of being astened to the rim a thereof, or in case 1t should be required that the power to or from the outside of said frame, which consists, as before said, of the rim (1 and supports k k, be transmitted near the outer side of one of the supports k k in such a case the transmitting part of the gear may be formed'or be mounted on the outer side of such support It, as, for instance, shown in the Fig. 32.

- In Figs. 23, 24,25, 26, 31, and 32 to 34, inclusive, the halves of the collars O are fastened to ether and to the shaft by means of two bo ts. The shoulders T and T in Fig. 1 are not required with collars O of sufficient width. These collars,if desired, can each be made of one piece and fastened to the shaft in some other manner. In some transmission said collars may be omitted.

In the Figs. 22 to 26, inclusive, and in the Figs. 31 to 34, inclusive, the center line of my elastic gear is indicated by the line Y Y Figs. 27, 28, 29, and 30'showa few forms of blocks of elastic material that may take the lace of the helical springs d and d in Fig. 2.

Fig. 27 the block d is solid and rectangular in shape, with the ends rounded, as shown, to fit the pockets 6 b and 6 b and can be made either of wood, rubber, or any othermaterial, as the case may require. The width Z0 may have the total length of the'pocket or may have less. In Fig. 28 the block (1 is recgiving it more or less elasticity without changing the form of the block. Its ends are rounded, as shown, to fit the pockets 1) b and b b. Fig. 29 shows a block similar to that illustrated in Fig. 28 and constructed of the proper size to take the place of a comglete single helical spring. In Fig. 30 the block is also rectangular in shape, as shown, with ch hole at each end will fit over the projections or g of the (and pieces 0*. The central portlon d of said hole may be enlarged suit a toothed bevelear drive.

in diameter, as shown, for the purpose of glving the material of the block d free action during compression. If this block is made, for instance, of rubber, the rubber in the sides d around said hole at becomes thicker during compression, and to prevent the rubber from being forced by the action of compression between the ends of the projections g g, and thus liable to be destroyed, said hole a d is made larger in diameter than the end holes which fit over the projections g g. The projections g g may have a length to suit a desired yield in the elastic gear, as and for the purpose before s ecified.

In case it shoul d be desired for some'reason to make the hub m of the center portion m longer and let such extensions form the j ournals for the same purpose as are the journals T T of the shaft T in'Fig. 1 such a modifica tion will be convenient in shippin as the whole gear may be completely assembled and shipped in that condition and then'keyed to the shaft and put in operation without taking the gear apart. Fig. 31 shows such ear in which the rim] a, with the supports is supported on the hub extension of the center portion. This figure is a diametrical section of one-half of my elastic gear with one row of springs and one row of arms. On the rim (1 around its outer circumference are formed, for example, spur-teeth a, as shown in Fig. 15.

In Fig. 32 the rim a is formed around its periphery with a rough cylindrical surface,

and at one side this rim a is cast in one piece with one of the supports la la and with the conical rim g, which has formed around its outer conical surface teeth g, and therefore will In this case one of the supports 7c is formed around its outer circumference with the toothed bevelwheel rim 9 and the rim 0. Three rows of springs are shown in this figure, and the end pieces for the springs are such as shown in the Fi 85.

In t e Fig. 33 the rim (1 is formed around its outer circumference with a rough unfinishedcylindrical surface, and at one-side this rim a is cast in one piece with a conical rim g, which is formed around its outer circumference with a smooth conical surface, and therefore will suit a bevel friction-gear drive. This figure shows four rows of springs with the division-piece c between themthat is, two rows of sprin s on each side of the division-piece c. Eac end piece for the springs is shown for two springs.

In Fig. 34 the rim a is formedmround its outer circumference with flanges 1" 1", oneon each side, and with helical grooves having the form as shown by the lines 1", and therefore is suitable for a drum-rope drive of hoisting apparatus and the like. This figiure also shows six rows of spri s with the ivision-piece 0 between them't at is, three rows of springs on each side of said division-piece 0. Eachend piece for the springs is shown for three springs andis similar to the one shown in the gs. 35 to 37, inclusive, show springs end pieces for more-than one spring each. In Fig. 35 is shown one end piece. for three springs, in Fig. 36 is shown one end piece for SIX springs, and in Fig. 37 is shown one end piece for six springs, with the parts f at the ends of the end pieces left off.

In case that the elastic gear always is to rotate in one direction only one set of springs d and d is required for driving. For instance, if the rim 0. is driven in the direction indicated b arrow 1 in Fig. 2 only the springs d wil be re uired for driving, and the springs (1 may a 1 be removed. A few springs d, however, may remain for the purpose of preventin any possible backlash. If it is desired to rive the rim in the opposite direction, only the springs d will be required for driving and a few of the springs d to take care of any possible backlash. If the ear is to rotate in both directions, forwar and backward, as the'case may be, in a reversing transmission, all the springs will of course be required.

' The strains that my improved gear will be subjected to and the benefit derivedfrom a wheel embodying my inventionfor instance, in a rolling-millw1ll be understood by reference to F1gs..1619, inclusive. In Fig. 16, A indicates one of two rolls arran ed one above the other and driven by two dou le pinions E, also one on top of the other. The upper one of the said pimons E is connected with one of my elastic wheels W on the shaft 'w by means of shaft and couplings, as shown. B are two rolls, also one on top of the other, but having a different size than the rolls A, and are driven by two pinions F, also one on top of the other.

. The upper one of said inions F is connected with a similar wheel on shaft '10 by means .of shaft and coupling, as shown. G is an idle wheel, and H is a inion connected by means of shaft and coup 'ng with the crank-shaft I of an engine, as shown. The rolls B are driven by pinions F from wheel W on shaft w, which wheel is driven by inion H on shaft'coupled to crank-shaft I of engine, as shown. The power is transmitted to the rolls A from the engine crank-shaft I, through pinion H, wheel W on shaft 412 andthe idle wheel G, wheel W on shaft 112, 'andpinions E. Sup osing in the following description that A and B are thirtytwo-inch rolls and the proper speed for theserolls be about twenty-nine revolutions per i minute, and the gears are such that while the roll makes one turn, the crank-shaft T makes two and one-quarter turns. Fig. 19 is a diagram of such rolls with an ingot or bloom half-way throu h the rolls. L is the upper roll turning in t e direction of the arrow thereon. L is the lower roll turning in the direction of the arrow thereon, and M is wheels V and V.

the ingot'or bloom to be reducedfor instance, in thicknessas shown, andpassing the direction of arrow .on the same. "If we omit any possible sliding of the rolls on the ingot, then L represents the angle which the roll will have to turn in moving the"in"got" from dotted line N to dotted line N that is, from no rolling resistance to maximum rolling resistance, which in this case represents an angle of about thirty-two degrees or about 0.09 part of one revolution of the rolls. This will require about 0.2 part of one revolution of the crank-shaft of the engine. This means that during the time the wheel W makes 0.09 part of one revolution and the crank makes 0.2 of one revolution the resistance to be overcome by the engine and gears will be "equivalent from no load to maximum load.

Further, suppose an ingot of seventeen thousand six hundred and forty cubic inches volume after passing through the first rolls A is fourteen and three-fourths inches thick by eighteen inches wide and by about sixty-six inches long is reduced to fourteen and onehalf inches by fourteen and one-half inches and about eighty-three long. Omitting any possible sliding between rolls and ingot it would require about 1.4 revolution of the rolls and about three revolutions of the crank-shaft of the engine, or the time required to make the second pass would be about three seconds. The engine in Fig. 16 and the rolls A and B are supposed to run continuously in one direction. The rollsA. and B in said figures are driven by the pinion H, whose shaft 1s coupled direct to the crankshaft of the engine, as shown. Fi 17 illustrates a blooming or roughing mil with two rolls P, one above the other, and each roll is arranged for four passes. The bloom Rwill enter the rolls in the directions indicated by the arrows from first pass to fourth pass. The rolls are driven through two pinions S, one above the other, of which the up er or the lower one is driven by the wheel on shaft T, and wheel W is driven from pinion Q on crank-shaft of the engine. In this case the engine and the transmission with the rolls is to be reversed after each pass through the rolls, making the rolls run forward and backward, as the case may require. Fig. 18 shows the same rolls as Fig. 16; but in this case a geared engine, like that shown in Fig. 17, is coupled to a wheel G, between the Considering that a working load of about seventy tons is received by the teeth of these gears W when used in drivin the above rolls and that such load is applied suddenly, as above explained, it is While the sprin s or elastic members as herein shown and escribed give best results, I do not desire to limit myself to the use of such springs, as for some purposes an efficient gear can be made in connection with my said frame with the arrangement of different kinds of elastic members of, for instance, s rings, such as tension s rings, spiral springs at springs of suitable orm, or plain spiral sprin s having suitable number of coils surroun ing the center portion, or the like, between the supports of my frame and still be within the scope of my invention. The foregoin descri tion and panying drawin gears embodying my invention; but various modifications and changes may be made in the details of the construction and still be within the scope of my invention as defined in the claims.

I claim as my invention 1. An elastic gear, comprising a center portion adapted to be secured to a shaft, a rim, rim-supports arranged on or in opposite sides of the rim and each having a central the accomhub or bearing surrounding the axis of the shaft, said rim-su ports being capable of oscillation indepen ently of said center portion, and yielding or elastic members which compel the rim and said center portion to turn together, substantially as set forth.

2. In an elastic gear 'a frame comprising a rim having laterally-spaced-supports rigid with the rim, and elastic transmission mech- .for transmitting. ower or-motion from said anism arranged between said supports, substantially as set forth.

3. In an elastic gear, a frame comprising a rim having laterally-spaced su ports and each of said supports having a hub or bearing coaxial with the gear, and elastic mechanism frame to a centra transmitting part, or vice versa, said elastic mechamsm being arranged .between said supports, substantially as. set

forth.

4; An elastic gear, comprising a center portion adapted to be secured to a shaft, a rim, supports for the rim arranged on or in opposite sides thereof and each provided with a central hub or hearing adapted to turn loosely on the shaft, and yielding or elastic members interposed between the rim and said center portion, substantially as set forth.

5. An elastic gear, comprising a center portion, a rim having laterally-spaced supports and each of said sup orts provided with a hub or hearing coaxial or with the shaft on which the gear is mounted; one of said supports being formed integral with the rim and the other detachably secured thereto, and elastic member or members interposed between the rim and said center portion, substantially as set forth.

6. An elastic gear, consisting of a rim having formed or mounted in suitable location gs set orth in detail elastic with the gear I anywhere on its outside a suitable transmitting gear or-wheel, su ports for said rim laterally spaced and'rigi therewith and each of said supports having a hub or bearing central or coaxial with the gear, and elastic transmission mechanism arranged in the s ace between said rim-supports, substantial y as set forth. i.

7. An elastic gear, comprising a rim rovided on its inner circumference with poc ets or seats, rim-supports arranged on or in opposite sides of the rim and each provided with a central hub or bearing, a center portion arranged between said rim-supports and adapted to be secured to the shaft on which the gear is mounted, said center portion be: ing provided with circumferential pockets or seats, and yielding or elastic members seated in the cooperating pockets of the rim and said center portion, substantially as set forth.

8. An elastic gear, comprising arim, rim supports arranged on or in opposite sides of the rim and each having a central hub or bearing, a center portion adapted to be secured to the shaft on which the gear is mounted, yielding or elastic members interposed between the rim and said center ortion, and a second rim surrounding the stnamed rim and carried by the same, substantially as set forth.

9. In an elastic gear, a frame comprising a suitable rim having laterally-spaced supports rigid with the rim, the rim being provided with suitably-located connecting means and the adjacent rim-support being fitted thereto, substantially as set forth.

10. An elastic gear, comprising a rim provided with marginal flanges, rim-supports arranged on or in opposite sides of the rim and provided at their periphery with annular grooves which receive said rim-flanges, and fastening-bolts passing through the rim and said supports on the inner side of said grooves, substantially as set forth.

11. An elastic gear, comprising a rim rovided on its innercircumference with ugs each containing a pair ofoppositely-facing spring-pockets, rim-supports arranged on or in opposite sides of the rim, a center portion arranged between said rim-supports and having similar pockets, springs seated in the cooperating pockets of said rim and center portion, and fastening-bolts passing through said rim-lugs between the pockets thereof, substantially as set forth. Y

- 12. An elastic gear, comprising a rim pro vided on its inner surface with a seat or seats, laterally-spaced supports rigid with rim, a center portion having at its periphery a seat or seats of the same size and form as the seat or seats of the rim, and a spring or springs arranged between the rim and the center portion and seated in the cooperating seats of the rim and said center portion, substantially as set forth.

IIO

3O set forth.

13. An elastic gear, comprising a rim provided on its inner surface with a pocket or pockets, a center portion adapted to be se-.

cured to a shaft .or to a central transmitting part and having a similar pocket or pockets on its periphery, and a spring or springs seated 1n the cooperating ockets of said members; the pocket or poc :ets of both said rim and said center portion being open at both their sides, whereby the spring or springs can from both sides be inserted and removed laterally, substantially as set forth.

14. An elastic gear, comprising a rim provided at its inner surface with a seat or seats, a center portion provided at its periphery with a similar seat or seats, an elastic member or members arranged between the rim and the center portion and seated in the cooperating seats of the rim and said center portion, and division-pieces arranged in said seats, substantially as set forth.

15. An elastic gear, comprising a rim provided on its inner circumference with pockets, a center portion adapted to be secured to a shaft and provided at its periphery with similar pockets, yielding or elastic members seated in the cooperating pockets of the rim and said center portion, and divisionieces arran ed in said pockets and provide with latera spacing projections, substantially as 16.- An elastic gear, comprising a rim having laterally-spaced supports rigid therewith, a center portion adapted to be secured to a shaft or to a central transmitting *part, and

elastic members arranged between the rim and center portion and connecting said members; one or more of said elastic members being arranged for driving in one direction and the other elastic member or members being arranged for driving in the opposite direc-' tion, the elastic members being partly under strain in their normal or unloaded condition, whereby when the elastic member or members for driving in the one direction are under maximum strain or maximum load, the elastic member or members which are arranged for driving in the opposite direction are relieved of part of their strain and the re tained strain being 'sufficient to prevent backlash and also to prevent rattling, substantially as set forth.

17. An elastic gear, comprising a rim having laterally-spaced supports rigid therewith, a center portion, and two sets of elastic members arranged between the rim and the center portion and connecting the rim and center portion, one set of elastic members being arranged for driving continuously in onedirection and the other set being arranged and sufficient in number to prevent backlash, substantially as set forth.

18. An elastic ear, comprising a rim, rimsupports arrange on or in opposite sides of the rim and composed of separable halves or sections, a center portion arranged between said rim-supports, and elastic connections between said center portion and said rim, substantially as set forth.

19. The combination with an elastic gear comprising a rim having supports on .or in opposite sides thereof and each of said supports having a central hub or bearing, a center portion between said supports, and'elastic comiection or connections between said rim and center portion, of a shaft provided on the outer sides of said rim-supports with shoulders, and retaining collars or washers applied to said shaft between said rim-sup ports and said shoulders for securely holding said rim-supports against lateral displacement, substantially as set forth.

20. An elastic gear, comprising a rim provided with a seat or seats, laterally-spaced supports rigid with said rim, a center por tion provided with a similar seat or seats, and an elastic member or members seated in the cooperating seats of the rim and center portion and provided with suitable means to limit the yield or elasticity of said. member or members, substantially as set forth.

21. An elastic gear, comprising a rim provided with a pocket or pockets, laterallyspaced supports rigid with said rim, a center portion provided with a similar pocket or pockets, and an elastic member or members seated in the cooperating pockets of the rim and center portion, substantially as set forth.

22. In an elastic gear, a frame comprising a rim provided with laterally-spaced sup ports rigid with the rim and each of said supports having a hub or bearing coaxial with the shaft on which the gear is mounted, said frame being provided with suitably-located means on its outside for fastening thereto suitable driving or transmitting means, and elastic transmission mechanism arranged in the inside of said frame and connected therewith, substantially as set forth.

23. An elastic gear, comprising a frame consisting of a rim provided with laterallyspaced supports and each of said supports having a hub or bearing central or coaxial with the gear, said frame having formed or mounted in suitable lo cation anywhere on its outside suitable driving or' transmitting means, and elastic transmission mechanism arran ed in the inside of said frame and connected therewith, substantially as set forth.

24. An elastic gear, comprising a center portion, a frame consisting of a IlIIl havin laterally-spaced supports and each of sai supports having a hub or bearing central or coaxial with the gear, and elastic members arranged between the rim and center portion for transmitting power or motion from said frame to said center portion, or vice versa, one or more of said elastic members being arranged for driving in one direction and the other elastic member or members being ar- '1 'with the gear, substantially as set forth.

26. An elastic gear, comprising an elastic member or members, a central transmitting art, a frame surrounding said elastic memer or members and said central transmitting r5part, laterally-spaced bearings coaxial with the gear 'supportingsaid frame and arranged at posite'sides of said elastic member or "mem ers and on which bearings said frame being capable of oscillation independently of zo-said central transmitting part, said elastic member 'or-' members connecting said frame with said' central transmitting part, sub "stantially as set forth.

27L An elastic gear, wherein power or mo- 2 'tion is transmitted by an elastic transmission mechanism from a central transmitting "part 'toaframe, or vice versa; said frame -s'l'irroiHiding said elastic transmission mech- 'anism'and being provided with laterally- .-'-"3o spaced bearings coaxial with the gear or "with' the'shaft on which the gear is mounted 'a'nd'which bearings are arranged at opposite "sides of said elastic transmission mechanism "and on which bearings said frame being sup- 3 5 ported and being capable of oscillation independently of said central transmitting part, "substantially asset forth.

28. An elastic gear, comprising an elastic transmission mechanism, a central transmit- 40 i tingpart, a frame having formed or mounted "in suitable location on its outside a suitable transmitting gear or wheel and in the inside "being provided with suitable means for con: necting with said'elastic transmission mechanism and having laterally-spaced bearings 'central or coaxial with the gear and said frame bein supported on said bearings and being capa le of oscillation thereon independently of said central transmitting part, said elastic transmission mechanism connecting said frame with said central trans- 'mitting' part, substantially as set forth.

"29.An elastic gear, comprising a center o'rtion, a frame consisting of a rim having 5 5 aterally-spac'ed' supports and each of said supports being provided with a hub or bearing adapted to turn loosely on a journal coaxial with theshaft on which the gear is mounted, "and elastic member or members interposed between the-rim and said center portion; said frame being supported on said journals and being capable of oscillation thereon independ- "ently of said center portion, substantially as set forth.

30. An elastic gear, comprising a center portion provided with means to connect with a spring or springs, a frame surrounding said center portion and comprising a rim provided with laterally-separated supports and each of said'supports having a hub or bearing central or coaxial-with the gear or with the shaft on which the gear is mounted and said frame having formed or mounted in suitable location on its outside suitable drivin or transmitting means and being provided on its inside with suitable means for connecting with a spring or springs, and a spring-or springs arranged between said supports and engaging the said connecting means of the frame and said center portion, substantially as set forth.

31. An elastic gear, comprising a rim having laterally-spaced supports and each of said supports having a hub or bearing central or coaxial with the shaft on which the gear is mounted, an elastic transmission mechanism comprising an elastic member or members and a center portion and being surrounded by said rim and arranged between said'supports,

one of said supports having formed or mounted in suitable location on its outside a suitable transmitting gear or wheel, substan tially as set forth.

32. An elastic ear, comprising a center portion surrounde by a frame and provided with a bearing or bearings for an elastic member or members, said frame comprising a rim provided with laterally-spaced supports and each of said supports having a hub or bearing central or coaxial with the gear and a bearing or bearings in the frame for an elastic member or members, suitable transmitting means formed or mounted in suitable location on the outside of said frame, and an elastic member or members arranged between said rimand center portion and connecting said frame with said center portion and engaging the said bearingsthereof, substantially as set forth. 33. An elastic gear, comprising a rim provided on its inner surface with a bearing or bearings for an elastic member or members,

rim-supports laterally spaced and rigid with the rim and each provided with a central hub or bearin a center portion arranged between sai rim-supports and adapted 'to be secured to a central transmitting part for transmitting power or motion to said center portion, or vice versa, said center portion being provided with a bearing or bearings for an elastic member or members, and an elastic member or members interposed between said rim and center portion and engaging the said bearings thereof, substantially as set forth.

34. In an elastic gear, a frame comprising a suitable rim provided with laterallyspaced supports rigid with the rim, one of said supports being formed integral with the rim and the other detachably secured thereto, substantially as set forth.

ported and capable of oscillation independs 35. In an elastic gear, a central transmitting part, journals central or coaxial with the gear or with the shaft on which the gear is mounted, a frame supporting suitable driv- I ing or transmitting means, an elastic mechanism surrounded by said frame for transmitting power or motion from said frame to said central transmittin part, or vice versa; said frame being provi ed with laterally-spaced bearings adapted to turn loosely on said j ournals and on which journals said frame is supently of said central transmitting part, substantially as set forth.

36. In an elastic gear, a frame com rising a rim provided with laterally-space supports rigid with the rim and each of said supports having a hub or bearing central or 00- axial with the shaft on which the gear is mounted, and elastic transmission mechanism arranged inside of said frameand connected therewith, substantially as set forth.

l/Vitness my hand this 26th day of September, 1903.

LOUIS F. DIETER. Witnesses:

LOUIS W. GRATZ, ROBERT WEITKNEOHT. 

